An enslaved Indian man from Tulunad who becomes an integral part of Ben Yiju’s business dealings during the Indian Ocean trade.

A Jewish merchant whose life and letters from the Indian Ocean trade routes provide insight into medieval commerce and multicultural interactions.

A quiet and contemplative resident of Nashawy who befriends Ghosh and moves to Iraq for work, playing a significant role in Ghosh’s stories of the villagers.

An elderly village resident who befriends Ghosh and represents the traditional values of the Egyptian village amidst social changes.

A respected young teacher in the village known for his eloquence and piety, who symbolizes the younger generation's shift towards a more fundamentalist perspective.

An old barber and traditional doctor attempting to adapt to changing times while representing traditional Egyptian practices.